Raymond J. Luke

Raymond J. Luke Jr., 79, of Vanderveer Street, passed away suddenly Thursday afternoon due to an automobile accident in the Town Of Perth. Born in Amsterdam on May 2, 1926, the son of Raymond J. Luke Sr. and Alice Blunck Luke. He was a 1944 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He then entered the US Navy serving as a coxswain from 1944 to 1946 upon various vessels including the USS Prentiss stationed at Lido Beach. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medals. Ray was employed by Larabees in Amsterdam, Bigelow Sanford Carpet Co., Honeywell, Thomas Wolfstitch, and Mormile?s Plumbing. He retired in 1979 due to disability as a plumber steamfitter at the Kesserling Site in West Milton and was a member of Union Local 105 of Schenectady. Ray enjoyed airplanes, crossword puzzles and spending time with his grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and kindness to everyone. His loving family includes his wife, the former MaryKay Richardson whom he married on May 26, 1972; his daughters; Karen Lynn Luke LaGrange and her husband Raymond; and Sarah Ann Luke Czelusniak and her husband Aaron all of Amsterdam; stepsons; Reinhart, Hans, David and Karl Schroeder all of Schenectady; his eight beautiful grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Emily, Bridget and Tyler Schroeder; R.J. and Breona LaGrange and Raquel Czelusniak; a sister, Avis Trautman of Amsterdam, a nephew, Robert Dampier and his son Bobby, and several cousins. A sister, Gene Pricilla Dampier predeceased him. A prayer service will take place Monday evening at 8:00 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave. Fr. Donald Czelusniak officiating. Calling hours are Monday from 6pm until the time the service. Interment will take place Thursday at 11:00 am at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in care of his wife, MaryKay Luke 47 Vanderveer Street Amsterdam. Please visit the family?s guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.